Art: The Search for the Spiritual Through Art

Music and art are supposed to be more than time-passers — at their best, they're supposed to offer enlightenment. A new, innovative five-week series that begins today at area museums and religious institutions takes that mission very seriously. Called The Search for the Spiritual through Art, it aims to explore the intersection of music, worship and faith. Today's event is a 7 p.m. Cincinnati Art Museum discussion led by James Buchanan of Xavier and Richard Sarason of University of Cincinnati on the role of music, spirituality and worship in world religions.The museum collections will be open 5-7 p.m. for self-guided tours.

On March 21, following a 5-7 p.m. tour of collections at Hebrew Union College's Skirball Museum, Klezmer musician Michael Alpert will lecture on the tradition of this Jewish music and even play a few tunes. Looking ahead, tours and presentations will occur March 28th at Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati ("The Spiritual Basis of Indian Music"); April 11 at Taft Museum of Art (a concert by Catacoustic Consort, "Stabat Mater: Sacred Hymns"); and April 18 at Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati (a film and discussion, Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World). The series costs $60; individual programs are $20 each. For members of the sponsoring institutions or seniors, the cost is $30 and $10. Students are free with ID. Reservations are required at 513-721-ARTS or www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org. More information about the speakers, programs and locations is available at www.thespiritualinart.org.